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Maxi dresses are one of the most versatile dresses you can own. These floor or ankle-length dresses are usually more formfitting at the top and flow out to a looser, more flowy bottom and can be made to look more formal or casual depending on your choice of accessories.
Below we are focusing on one of the more popular maxi dress options, the long sleeve version and we have found a slew of different options. Choose from a round neck option or the always flattering v-neckline and a wide variety of color and pattern options that will work for a variety of occasions.
These dresses are also all made from a lightweight, stretchy material that is super comfortable yet structured enough to give you a flattering silhouette. Some of these maxis can even double as maternity dresses, giving you something comfy to wear both during and after the baby is born.
Comparing the Finest Long Sleeve Maxi Dresses of 2024
Ouges Wrap Waist Maxi Dress — Best Overall
This pull-on maxi dress is super flattering and can be easily styled for daytime activities or a night out on the town. This long sleeve maxi has a v-neck, faux wrap front that is more fitted and leads to a full, pleated bottom that can either show off or cover up your choice of shoes. It has a full band at the waist, giving you the illusion of a smaller waistline and its stretchy, lightweight material will keep it comfortable without much worry of wrinkling. Pair with a cardigan or coat when the cooler weather strikes and keep the accessories to a minimum with a great necklace or choker.
Pros
- This dress has hidden front pockets
Cons
- The v-neck front may require a brooch to close or cami underneath for more petite figures
Verdusa Bodycon Maxi Dress — Runner Up
The Verdusa Bodycon Maxi Dress is sure to be a wardrobe staple for many seasons. Crafted from a lightweight and breathable blend of 94% Rayon and 6% Spandex, it provides a snug fit and superior comfort, allowing you to stay cool even on warm days and move freely without any restrictions. Moreover, it features long sleeves, a fitted pencil bodycon design, and a soft, stretchy fabric. This classic dress is sure to turn heads at any event you are attending with its timeless style. The bodycon design accentuates your curves for a flattering silhouette that exudes confidence.
Pros
- The dress features a flattering neckline cut
Cons
- Not enough extra room to last through the third trimester for pregnant women
VIISHOW Casual Maxi Dress — Honorable Mention
The VIISHOW Casual Maxi Dress is an incredibly stylish and versatile piece of clothing that is perfect for a variety of occasions. The dress is made of 95% Rayon and 5% Spandex, so it has a very soft, stretchy, and lightweight feel. Additionally, the fabric is very breathable and comfortable, making it great for any season. The dress features a round neckline with short sleeves, two side pockets, and a full-length silhouette with an elastic waistband. Moreover, this maxi dress comes in a wide array of sizes, colors, and patterns to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect dress for your needs.
Pros
- This dress is made of lightweight and comfortable material
Cons
- May not be suitable for formal occasions due to its loose fit
Levaca Casual Maxi Dress — Contender
This maxi dress is a great basic with horizontal stripes going across the top and vertical stripes on the bottom that looks good on many different body types. Ideal for year-round use, this dress is made from a rayon and spandex blend, making it stretchy, breathable, and soft to the touch which also gives it a great flattering fit without being too clingy. This is an easy to pull on dress with long sleeves and an elastic waist that easily pairs with many types of shoes and accessories including sneakers, sandals, and boots and has two side invisible pockets for extra convenience.
Pros
- This dress is made of a thicker material that is not see-through
Cons
- This dress may need to be hemmed for more petite figures
Grecerelle Loose Maxi Dress — Most Comfortable
This long sleeve maxi is another great full-length dress option that is a must-have in any wardrobe. This particular dress has a looser fit, making it perfect for everyday dressing, running errands and even when traveling and it’s v-neck front makes for a flattering line. Great for year-round wear, this dress also has two slits that go halfway up the front which allows for some unique styling options and an open v-neck in the back, perfect for when the warmer weather strikes.
Pros
- Depending on your preferred style, you can order a size up for more a looser fit
Cons
- While this dress is hand and machine washable, it is recommended to lay flat to dry
Zattcas Faux Wrap Maxi Dress — Most Notable
This floral print maxi dress keeps it interesting and stylish with its faux wrap, crossover v-neckline that is form-fitting on top and gets looser from the waist down. Another ideal dress for pregnancy, and breastfeeding, this dress has a versatile fit that will flatter many different body types. A self-tie belt allows you to create a tighter or looser waist and an elastic band keeps it comfortable while still allowing some curves to show through.
Pros
- This dress is avialable in petite, regular and plus size options
Cons
- If you are 5’2 and under, you will need to hem the dress
Yumdo Floral Maxi Dress — Also Consider
Another great maxi floral option is this dress. It has the same soft, stretchy fabric with some slight texture as our other options, a slim silhouette, and will be comfortable for all-day and nightwear. Great for year-round use, this dress comes in a classic, all-over floral print with an empire waist, round neckline and is accented with pockets for the ultimate in convenience. This is another versatile dress that can be worn for numerous occasions and can get you through all your bridal and/or baby showers with ease and style.
Pros
- This dress is available in children’s sizes as well
Cons
- There may be a slight sheen to the dress
Buying Guide: Long Sleeve Maxi Dresses
A maxi dress is probably the most versatile piece of clothing you own because you can wear it throughout the year, regardless of the weather. The long, loose, and flowy design of maxi dresses makes them ideal for pregnant women. The best thing about them is that they are both comfortable and stylish.
Why Should You Purchase a Long Sleeve Maxi Dress?
Long sleeve maxi dresses look extremely elegant, and if you style them properly, you can pull them off on several occasions. Whether you are going out to run errands, planning a casual brunch with your friends, having a beach party, going to a formal party at night, or just attending a regular day at work, you can wear a maxi dress. You just need to style it appropriately by wearing the right shoes and accessories. When you can wear a single dress on so many occasions, you will not need to invest in new ones, saving you a ton of money. Secondly, maxi dresses are extremely comfortable, especially in the summers. If you are not comfortable with showing a lot of skin but looking for a dress that will let you breathe, a maxi dress is your best bet. You can even wear a long sleeve maxi dress in winter by layering it up properly with the right cardigan or jacket. Also, maxi dresses never go out of style. So, if you do not have even one maxi dress in your wardrobe, now is the time to invest in one.
How to Choose the Right Maxi Dress for You?
With the tons of options available in the market, it is easy to become overwhelmed and not be able to decide which one is right for you. If you keep the following considerations in mind, you will be able to shortlist a dress more easily.
Fabric
The fabric is probably the most important factor you will need to consider. It will depend on the weather you plan to wear your dress in, and the purpose. Blends of materials like rayon, polyester, and cotton are usually ideal as they are soft and can be worn year round. If flexibility is your goal, especially if you are looking for a dress that can be worn during the maternity period as well, you will need to look for blends that have spandex incorporated in them. This will make your dress both stretchable and comfortable, and allow your baby bump to breathe.
Length
Most long sleeve maxi dresses come in full length, that either go down to your ankles or touch the floor. It is important that you check the length of the dress given in the size chart before purchasing one. Also, if you plan to wear heels with your dress, you will need to buy a longer dress, so that it can make up for the height added by the heels. You can even opt for maxi dresses that are not full length and fall down to your calves, depending on the occasion you plan to wear them.
How to Choose the Style of a Maxi Dress?
The style options that you will find in the market are endless, and you can even get one stitched if you are looking for a specific design and material. When looking for a dress, the first thing that you will need to consider is whether you will wear it during the daytime or the evening. For daytime and more casual wear, you need to look for a versatile dress that is easy to move around in. Patterned and colorful printed dresses are popular for daytime wear, so you can choose between floral or tie-dye dresses. These can be worn during informal hangouts with friends or a beach or pool party. If it is chilly outside, you can pair your dress with a plain blazer or a denim jacket. The right bag and a pair of sunglasses will complete your look. If it is a casual occasion, avoid wearing too many accessories like jewelry.
For nighttime wear, you will need to look for a more formal option. You can find long sleeve maxi dresses made from materials like velvet, lace, or even silk, and these will be perfect for formal parties. Make sure you opt for a monotone dress, as too colorful can be inappropriate for certain events. For formal dinners or wedding parties, you can even choose embellished dresses, as they will look elegant. Add your favorite accessories including jewelry that will complement the outfit, but avoid overdoing it. Also, you can wear a shrug on top of your dress if the weather is chilly or cold.
What Shoes Are Appropriate for Long Sleeve Maxi Dresses?
The shoes you wear with your maxi dress will depend particularly on the type of dress you purchase, and the length of your dress. Heels complement maxi dresses well, especially stiletto sandals or block heels. They will look perfect with the formal maxi dress that you plan to wear on formal occasions. Just make sure that the dress is the right length. You do not want it to be so long that it causes you to trip, and not so short that it does not look like a maxi dress anymore. For casual, daytime occasions, you can wear wedges if you prefer heels. Otherwise, for a more laid-back look, you can opt for ankle boots, trainers, or any flat pumps or sandals. At the end of the day, your shoes should not look out of place and should complete your overall look.
